Heartbreak for the Wellington Phoenix women’s reserves in the Kate Sheppard Cup final.
New Zealand’s showpiece game saw the Nix suffer a 4-1 defeat against domestic powerhouses Auckland United.
Having fallen behind to an early penalty, Grace Bartlett restored parity after latching on to a defence-splitting pass from Amber de Wit and coolly firing home.
It would not be enough however, as goals for former Phoenix player Chloe Knott and a double for 14-cap Football Fern Ava Collins ensured Auckland United would lift the trophy.
Despite the result, there were excellent performances from captain Mackenzie Greene, who made a heroic goalline clearance, and goalkeeper Brooke Neary, who suffered an early knock but persisted to produce two outstanding saves.
Having reached the semi-final last year, and the final this year, the team will look to go one better in 2026.
It was a strong showing for the other academy teams in action over the weekend.
The U16 girls drew 2-2 with Island Bay United courtesy of a Ruby Barber brace.
The U15 boys enjoyed a 4-2 win over Onslow/North Wellington, Shaina-Nashe Marahwa, Joseph Matthews, Cohen Fabish, and Juro Shigeeda all on the scoresheet.
But the highlight of the round was a remarkable double hattrick for Tristan Bancroft, who netted six times for the U14 boys in an 11-0 win over Upper Hutt City.
Caleb Brown grabbed two for himself, while Zeko Mouroukis, Harper Norman, and Tawanda Mutingwende all scored too.
This weekend, the U15 boys play Island Bay, with the U14 boys taking on Waterside Karori.
Cover photo credit: Photosport NZ
